The Nigeria Police Force has warned all intending protesters and counter-protest groups to steer clear of restricted areas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following a subsisting order of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which prohibits demonstrations around major government installations.
In a statement signed by the Force spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Saturday, the Police recalled a subsisting order of the Federal High Court, Abuja, issued on 17 October 2025 by Justice M.G. Umar in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others.
The order restrains the respondents and their associates from staging protests in and around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Hundeyin while reaffirming the Force commitment to maintaining peace, law, and order in line with constitutional provisions, he urged all groups, including those supporting or opposing the ongoing agitation for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, to respect the court’s directive pending further judicial proceedings.
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While acknowledging citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression, the Police stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
The Force described the court’s intervention as “a safeguard, not a suppression, of constitutional freedoms.”
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the FCT Commissioner of Police (CP) and other operational units to enforce the order strictly and ensure the protection of lives, property, and lawful activities across the capital.
In the signed document, the Force spokesperson also warned that anyone attempting to hijack protests for violent purposes, vandalise property, or incite others through social media would face arrest and prosecution under relevant criminal laws, including those covering terrorism and violent conduct.
“All intending protesters and counter-protest groups are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and to refrain from any act capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public order,” the statement read.
The Police assured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place and urged non-participants to go about their normal activities without fear, reiterating that any breach of the court’s order would attract decisive punitive action.
